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Can I Recover Damages if I am Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

Mar 16, 2022 | Auto Accident

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Can I Recover Damages if I am Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident

Uber and Lyft accidents can add layers of complication to a car accident. That’s because the driver’s status within the app will be a major factor. And of course, you’ll still have to prove fault in the accident based on which driver was negligent.

But if the Uber or Lyft driver was the at-fault party and was active in the app at the time of the accident, you can recover damages from the commercial insurance policy the rideshare company provides. 

Let’s look at the levels of insurance coverage, factors in whether the accident will be against the driver’s personal insurance or that of the rideshare, and the importance of a good Indiana rideshare attorney when facing these complicated accidents.

Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverages

If the driver’s rideshare app was off at the time of the accident, no commercial insurance applies regardless of the fact that the person drives for the rideshare company. However, the driver’s personal auto policy will be effective during these times.

When the app is on and awaiting a ride request, the rideshare company provides third-party liability insurance. Both Uber and Lyft policies cover $50,000 per person for bodily injury up to $100,000 per accident and $25,000 per accident in property damage. 

When drivers are en route to pick up riders or when they have active passengers in their vehicle, the drivers, passengers, and third parties involved in accidents have increased coverage limits. This includes $1 million in third-party liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the rideshare driver’s car with a $2,500 deductible.

The same coverage applies to Uber Eats drivers who are actively engaged in the app. 

Drivers also have the option to add additional rideshare/delivery coverage to their policies to increase their insurance protection in case of an accident. So the limits listed here are the minimum insurance possible. 

Does the Accident Qualify Under Uber or Lyft’s Commercial Policies?

Determining what insurance company is responsible for paying for your property damage and medical bills is important because it will speed up the claim process. You don’t want to file with the wrong insurance company and have to start back at the beginning of the process to get your vehicle fixed and the much-needed medical care to recover fully.

Uber and Lyft might decline your claim request if the driver was not properly engaged in the app. That means that if they drive the passenger a few extra blocks outside of the contracted location within the app, the driver, their passenger, and any third parties involved in an accident might not have coverage in case of an accident.

To simplify things, for the rideshare’s insurance policy to apply, the driver must be actively engaged in the app and following all rules and guidelines the rideshare company sets forth. So they cannot engage in trips that are not contracted for in the app between the driver and the passenger.

For that reason, you should always get a driver’s personal insurance information as well to ensure you don’t end up in a situation where you have to use your own insurance policy to cover the accident.

The Importance of an Indiana Rideshare Attorney

Rideshare accidents can be complicated. And because of those complications, you need an expert to help oversee the process and ensure you are restored to your original health and financial status before the accident.

Stewart & Stewart offers a team of experienced rideshare attorneys prepared to help you recover from a car accident – whether it’s a regular accident or an accident with a rideshare driver involved. Get a free case review now

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